Lipica Stud Farm | The Heart Of The Lipizzaner Legacy

Visiting the Lipica Stud Farm in Slovenia is like stepping into a piece of history where the elegance of the Lipizzaner horse reigns supreme. Set in the lush landscape of western Slovenia, this renowned equestrian center has been breeding these majestic white horses since the 16th century. It’s the largest Lipizzaner stud farm in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you love horses, or their history and use by the Hapsburg’s, who started this farm in the 16th century, it makes an excellent day trip. You can take a guided tour to see the Lipizzaner and their foals, learn their history, watch them perform, take a carriage ride, or if you’re an experienced rider, you can also ride one. This post covers visiting the Lipica Stud Farm, how to get here, and what to expect.

The Lipizzaner & The Lipica Stud Farm

About The Lipizzaner

The Lipizzaner are regal-looking horses, considered ideal for royal and military purposes by the Hapsburgs. Not only are they beautiful, with their white coat and dignified stance, they are also intelligent, capable of sophisticated footwork, and, historically, were trained for military maneuvers, capable of helping to save their riders in battle.

Another unique feature of the Lipizzaner is that most of them are born black, or dark gray. As they mature, they become lighter gray, then white. This is due to a reduction in melanin in their hair follicles.

Although today Lipica is part of Slovenia, in the 16th century it was part of the Hapsburg Empire. This is when Archduke Charles II started the Lipica Stud Farm. He cross-bred Andalusian horses with wild Karst horses from this region, horses that date back to the Ice Age. The Lipizzaner also have some Arabian influences.

This cross-breeding resulted in a horse with a striking appearance, graceful movements, and skill. A horse that embodied the refined culture of the Hapsburg court.

About Lipica

Lipica get its name from the Lipizzaner. It was established in 1580. Today it covers almost 3,000 acres with over 300 horses. It sits in western Slovenia, near the Italian border in an area with a lush rolling hills and green trees. A few of the highlights of the Lipica Stud Farm are noted below.

The “na Borjaci” Stables

If you take a tour, the “na Borjaci Stable” will be one of your first stops. This is the home to the Lipizzaner mares and their foals. This is where the mares come to foal and the foals are watched and cared for. Every spring about 20 foals are born here.

We were not able to enter this stable, but spent time near the entrance as a couple of the mares stood watching us.

This is also where we learned that modern breeding of the Lipizzaner is done through artificial insemination. This helps to guarantee optimal breeding practices and ensures a higher pregnancy rate.

Early in the morning, the mares and foals are let out of this stable and they return in the afternoon. If you miss their release or return, you can walk, or drive, along the roads of Lipica to see them. When I arrived, I took a wrong turn and accidentally saw them before I parked. It was actually a great way to start my visit.

Velbanca Stable

The Velbanca Stable is the oldest stable in Lipica and another one of its most important. It’s been in use for more than 300 years. This is where is where some of the most notable stallions of Lipica stay. The horses staying here have contributed the most to the legacy and reputation of the Lipizzaner in the equestrian world.

We learned a few interesting facts about the stallions here. Their names, which they know, are on a board by their stall along with their parental lineage. We also discovered that Lipizzaner stallions start to strut when they are in front of mares in heat. They put on a little show to gain their attention, starting walking normally again after they are out of sight.

We also learned that one of the stallions here is blind in one eye. Despite this, he is one of the most important stallions here for both breeding and performing.

The Avenue Of Vienna

The Avenue of Vienna is a tree-lined, ceremonial road connecting Lipica to Vienna, the capital of Austria. Historically, when the horses turned three years old, they walked his avenue, covering around 250 miles (400 km). For each horse that walked here, a tree was planted in their memory.

This route is still used today, although not as regularly and does not follow the exact same path.

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The Avenue Of Trieste

The Avenue of Trieste is another important road here, connecting Lipica with the nearby Italian port city of Trieste. This avenue is much shorter and is used for exercising and training the Lipizzaner.

The Hippodrome and Riding Stables

Two other highlights of the farm are the Hippodrome and the Riding Stables. The Hippodrome is where the dressage performances and competitions are held. This is an outdoor arena and the largest in Slovenia. The Riding Stables are for less formal riding and for training.

Lipikam Museum

There’s also a small museum here, the Lipikam Museum. Here you learn more about the history of all horses and the Lipizzaner. You also learn how more modern, scientific techniques are used with the horses today. For example, they conduct more sophisticated genetic research. They also use microchips instead of branding.

Carriage Museum

The carriage museum showcases different types of carriages, including royal and ceremonial carriages historically used with Lipizzaner horses.

Experiences

Performances of the Lipizzaner Riding School Show are held weekly or bi-weekly, depending on the time of year. The show features the Lipizzaner and their riding masters. It showcases classical dressage techniques that show the grace, agility, and intelligence of the Lipizzaner. The show lasts about 1 hour.

You can also tour the Lipica estate via carriage led by Lipizzaner. These rides are done on carriages once used for royalty and distinguished guests.

You can also watch a training session with the Lipizzaner. If you’re an experienced rider, you can apply to ride a Lipizzaner, or, you can take lessons yourself.

There’s also a Lipizzaner Beauty Contest. This is held annually at the end of August/early September.

Visit the Lipica website for dates and/or application forms for the events list above.

Getting To Lipica

Lipica is located in western Slovenia. The drive from Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital, is about an hour. The drive from Piran, which is on the Adriatic coast of Slovenia, is about 50 minutes.

When you arrive at Lipica, turn to the left when you get to the fork in the road. This is where you’ll find parking. Once you park, walk towards the buildings you see beyond the parking lot. Veer to the left before the cafe and continue walking until you get to the ticket booth. You can buy a general admission ticket, a ticket for a guided tour, or tickets for performances. You can also pay for parking here, or in the parking lot via a cell phone app.

Other Details

Lipica also has a restaurant, Gratia, which serves specialties from the Karst region, as well as several cafes.

If you plan to stay at Lipica for more than a day, there is also a hotel here, Maestoso Hotel. Most rooms feature balconies overlooking the property and are reasonably priced.

Want More Of Slovenia?

Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana, is an enchanting city and is located closest to the international airport. You can explore the medieval castle overlooking the old town, walk the riverside promenade and admire its beautiful architecture and bridges, learn its history, and enjoy its delightful cafe culture.

Bled, is another must-see, although admittedly a little touristic due to its beauty. With stunning alpine Bled Lake, and fairytale-like Bled Castle soaring above it, it’s like walking into a postcard. It also makes a great base for the area as there is plenty of adventure nearby. You can explore Vintgar Gorge, hike Mount Triglav, the highest peak in Slovenia, hike Seven Lakes, or go canyoneering, river rafting, and even skydiving.

Other gems in Slovenia include its charming gems on the Adriatic coast: Piran, Izola, and Koper. Piran is the most charming of the three, but also the most touristic. All three are lovely little towns and definitely worth visiting. I chose to stay in Piran, but if you want a location that’s less touristic, consider Izola or Koper.

Safe Travels!

Julie